Manuel Neuer reiterates that he will not return from international retirement despite speculation and support from Bayern president Herbert Hainer, backing Oliver Baumann as Germany’s number one.
Manuel Neuer has firmly ruled out any possibility of returning to international football, despite growing speculation surrounding a potential Germany comeback. The Bayern Munich veteran, who retired from the national team, made it clear that his decision remains unchanged.
Rumours of a return have increased due to ongoing injury concerns surrounding Marc-André ter Stegen. With uncertainty over Germany’s goalkeeping options ahead of the World Cup, some have suggested that the experienced 39-year-old could be persuaded to step back into the fold.
🚨🎖| 𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆: Ter Stegen has suffered a hamstring TEAR with possible tendon involvement. Further tests are still pending, and surgery has NOT been ruled out. He might return to Barça. [@JijantesFC] #fcblive 🏥 pic.twitter.com/XzkPOcW6i5
— BarçaTimes (@BarcaTimes) February 2, 2026
Even Bayern president Herbert Hainer recently expressed support for the idea of Neuer making a comeback. However, the former Germany captain responded with calm certainty, dismissing the suggestion once again.
“Those are, of course, nice words, but he knows my decision very well. So I can’t help but smile a little,” Neuer told the media following Bayern’s 2-0 DFB-Pokal victory over RB Leipzig. When asked directly whether his retirement decision was final, Neuer simply replied: “Yes.”
Manuel Neuer on whether his decision to retire from the national team is definitive: "Yes" pic.twitter.com/Or1HMmvUph
— Bayern & Germany (@iMiaSanMia) February 11, 2026
The goalkeeper’s stance leaves Germany looking to alternative options between the posts. As things stand, Hoffenheim’s Oliver Baumann appears set to take on the role of first-choice goalkeeper heading into the World Cup.
Neuer offered his full backing to the 35-year-old, expressing confidence in Baumann’s recent performances. “He is now number one and is doing his job very well. Overall, he has shown very good performances, and I, of course, wish him all the best and keep my fingers crossed for him,” he said.
